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New moves to help protect the identity of iconic Scottish produce and give imitations the chop have been unveiled.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead announced action to extend the list of Scottish foods enjoying Protected Food Name (PFN) status.

The Arbroath Smokie, Scotch Beef, Shetland Lamb, among others, already enjoy PFN status, making it illegal for others to cash in on their special appeal by selling imitations.

As part of Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, Mr Lochhead announced that the Scottish Government will bring together producers currently registered as PFNs (including those elsewhere in Europe) with those hoping to secure that status in the future.

The event, to take place later this year, will highlight the benefits, advise on the process for application and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas about growing the number of PFNs in Scotland.

The Scottish Government also intend to seek funding from the European Commission to assist with the promotion of PFNs at food events and supermarkets .

Work with the Food Standards Agency to improve country of origin labelling has already been announced to protect the reputation of Scotland's world-famous food and drink.

Mr Lochhead said:

"Speaking to business owners, retailers and farmers over the summer, it has been clear that Scottish produce is bucking the economic trend and a food revolution is sweeping the nation.

"In order to enhance our reputation at home and abroad we need to encourage our food and drink businesses to protect the high quality and authenticity of their products.

"We've seen sales of Scottish products soar across Scotland, England and Wales in recent years with brands such as Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb riding high, earning pride of place at prestigious events such as the Bocuse D'or competition.

"Consumers are increasingly turning to the Saltire for their food and drink as they associate it with quality, taste and loyalty to our producers.

"Although Scotland is already home to some of the most delicious and well-known produce anywhere in the world, too few have protected name status compared to other countries.

"Scotland is a land of food and drink and as such deserves to have its fine reputation protected from those who seek to cash-in and blight its good name.

"And our new national food and drink policy is looking into how to support better choices in terms of provenance, health and environmental sustainability, with a key focus on origin labelling. We are also working with retailers to encourage better labelling of Scottish produce and note that many are improving the information made available about Scottish produce. Our new toolkit for the food service sector will help them source ingredients locally and inform consumers about where food comes from."

In 1993 EU legislation came into force which provides for a system for Protected Food Names (PFNs). To gain PFN status food must be produced, processed or prepared in the geographic area from where it originates and to which it owes its distinctive characteristics or use a traditional recipe. Under this system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.

There are over 800 PFNs registered across the European Union (EU), with Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Germany accounting for around 90 per cent of all PFNs. The UK has 38 PFNs - including nine in Scotland:

• Shetland Lamb
• Orkney Beef
• Orkney Lamb
• Scottish Farmed Salmon
• Scotch Lamb
• Scotch Beef
• Arbroath Smokie
• Teviotdale Cheese (not in production)
• Bonchester Cheese (not in production)

By volume and value, Scotland has some of the largest PFNs in the EU, with high value products such as Scotch Beef and Scottish Farmed Salmon accounting for around £700 million in sales.

A number of PFN applications are currently being considered by producers in Scotland. These include Stornoway Black Pudding, Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese and Scottish Wild Salmon. Application for registration must come from producers - the Government cannot apply on behalf of producers, although it can support and facilitate producers through the application process.

Scotland Food and Drink Fortnight celebrates and promotes the benefits of fresh, seasonal produce. Key aims this year include: encouraging people to discover, buy and enjoy the produce produced on their doorstep; encouraging the food industry - from restaurants to retailers and caterers - to source and champion quality Scottish produce; building Scotland's reputation for excellent quality food and drink; raising awareness of and support the people who produce our food and drink.

Measures in the new national food and drink policy to help boost the profile of Scottish produce include:

• Action to get more Scottish food onto menus in hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs
• Supporting more farmers markets, farm shops and local food initiatives across Scotland
• A new charter with supermarkets who have committed to playing their part in taking forward the national policy
• Promoting a better understanding of the food chain amongst young people in Scotland's schools

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